2010 Suzuki Kizashi SE Review

Suzuki Gave Kizashi The Goods To Stand Out In The Crowded Midsized Field

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS

2010 Suzuki Kizashi SE Review

If you're looking at sporty small cars, at this point in
time you're probably not thinking "Suzuki". Doesn't Suzuki make motorcycles
and SUVs? Aren't their cars merely re-badged Daewoos?

There have been some major changes at Suzuki recently. Yes,
the company still makes motorcycles, of all varieties from off-road to
MotoGP. And they still make SUVs like the Grand Vitara. But the
long-standing agreement with General Motors that saw Suzukis sold by GM and
GM products by Suzuki is history. Suzuki is on its own.

"Kizashi", according to Suzuki, means "something great is
coming" in Japanese. And Suzuki is attempting to reposition itself in the
automotive marketplace from a bought-on-budget brand to one that is more
aspirational. That's hubris, chutzpah, and/or just plain marketing drivel
without product to back it up.

The Kizashi is the product to back that claim up.

It may be the most important vehicle in Suzuki's history in
the American automotive marketplace. The Kizashi is pure Suzuki, in both
design and manufacture. It is far more European in concept than Japanese or
American, and is meant to be an alternative to more expensive sporty
compact and mid-sized European sedans, not necessarily the popular Japanese
and American models. It's also meant to attract people who otherwise would
buy a used European entry-sport/luxury sedan. In the Kizashi, Suzuki wanted
something that was not a basic transportation appliance, and would appeal
to mostly young, young-at-heart, or young-in-wallet people who wanted a
European sedan but didn't want the associated price premium.

If the time I've spent in Kizashis is any indication, Suzuki
has succeeded. In its chassis dynamics and road manners it is much more
European than Asian, as is the overall feel of the car because of its
design and finish. And it has potential to be tapped for more…

Trim levels are S, SE, GTS, and SLS. All have a 2.4-liter
twincam four-cylinder engine with 180+ horsepower, push-button start/stop,
front sport seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, a good audio system
with auxiliary controls on the steering wheel, standard stability control,
and eight airbags, so the S is hardly a "base model" -- particularly with
the standard six-speed manual gearbox. A high-tech continuously-variable
transmission (CVT) is optional. The SE adds popular conveniences including
cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's
seat, and leather trim for the steering wheel. The CVT is standard. It's
expected to be the core model. The GTS adds a moon roof, foglamps, and
upgrades for audio and wheels, with either transmission, and the SLS adds
leather, seat and external mirror heating, and more, also with both
transmissions available. A sophisticated all-wheel drive system is offered
in all models, even the S. It's paired with the CVT. That's a lot of
content for the price -- from $19,734 for the S to $25,134 for the SLS
including the destination charge. And it's not merely features over an
indifferent car.

My first time in a Kizashi was in a GTS 6-speed on a short
ride and drive event. With its torquey engine, good reflexes and supple
ride, and convenient size, it made a very good impression. Then I had some
track time in the Suzuki PR department's toy of the year -- a 6-speed with
racing seats, competition-spec suspension and tires, but stock engine with
more-or-less street-legal intake and exhaust de-restriction. Big fun, great
handling, and proof of potential.

Now, I've just finished a week in an SE. Yes, the CVT
decreases acceleration a bit, although manual shifting helps bring it back
some. But that CVT feels more like a regular automatic than any other CVT
I've experienced, and the engine is torquey enough that for most people
most of the time there will be no complaints. And there is a stick
available. In refinement, think a class above. Ditto for equipment. Ride
and handling are sporty, not sports (but that can be done…), and
comparable to the best in the entry-sports classes. You could go all day
comfortably. Fuel economy? At low 20s around town and high 20s to low 30s
on the highway, no complaints. With the Kizashi, Suzuki has a serious
alternative in the midsize sedan class.

APPEARANCE: There is no visual boredom here. Suzuki is
developing its design language, and the Kizashi is a fine first step. If
you look hard, you can pick out influences (as with just about any car),
but the overall concept is original and distinctive. The rounded front is
dominated by a large two-piece grille split horizontally by the front
bumper. It's flanked by projector-beam headlights on all models.
Proportions are standard for front-wheel drive sedans, short hood, larger
greenhouse, and short, high rear deck. The sides are graced with strong
shoulder lines, and a highly-arched tail with huge wraparound taillights
distinguishes the rear. What appear to be oversized exhaust tips protruding
through the rear bumper are actually trim pieces in the bumper, into which
the exhausts are set -- clever.

COMFORT: Good design and efficient packaging results in more
interior space than expected given the Kizashi's modest exterior size. As
mentioned, the standard equipment level is high. Even better, interior
styling is tastefully simple, functional, and gimmick-free. Vertical
surfaces on the dash and doors are textured soft-touch material. A leather
steering wheel rim is a pleasant touch, ditto for the easy-to-see backlit
main instruments. A useful data center nestles between the speedo and tach.
The center stack houses the AM/FM/XM-ready/6-CD audio and dual-zone
automatic climate control systems; a USB port and power point live in a
covered compartment at the juncture of the stack and console. A locking
glove box, overhead sunglasses holder, and bottle holders and storage in
all doors add convenience. Front seat comfort is very good, and there is
space in the rear for two adults, plus a standard split-folding seatback,
center armrest with cupholders, ski passthrough, and rear floor heat vents
and end-of-console AC vents. A space-saver spare is hidden under the
usefully-sized trunk.

RIDE AND HANDLING: How best to distinguish your car in a class
that is often described as "automotive appliance"? How about ride and
handling characteristics that make it enjoyable to drive, and comfortable?
In the Kizashi, Suzuki has done exactly this. Its rigid steel unibody
structure allows its fully-independent MacPherson strut / multilink
suspension to be tuned in the European manner -- no surprise since much of
the development work was done in Europe -- with springs supple enough for
comfort even on poorly-paved roads, and shocks and stabilizer bars that
prevent excessive body roll when having fun. Steering is not
overly-assisted, and good soundproofing results in a pleasantly quiet
interior experience.

PERFORMANCE: Unlike most competitors, there is no V6 offered
for the Kizashi. Nor is one needed -- the 2.4-liter four does a fine job.
It's an aluminum alloy unit with dual overhead cams and strong internal
components that makes 180 horsepower (at 6000 rpm) and 170 lb-ft of torque
(at 4000 rpm) when matched to the CVT. A slight tuning difference with the
six-speed manual gives a little more power, for 185 hp @ 6500 rpm. A
balance shaft quells vibration. A relatively large displacement and good
torque characteristics make it an easy engine to live with as it doesn't
need excessive revs to make enough power to move the car quickly, but has
no quarrel with being pushed hard, either. This means it works well with
the CVT, which is tuned to keep revs down to maximize fuel economy. If, at
times, this impedes quick acceleration, a quick flick of the shift lever,
or in higher-trim models, paddles behind the steering wheel does the trick.
And for the targeted low-budget enthusiasts, a six-speed manual is
available.

CONCLUSIONS: The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi is an interesting new
entry that stands out in the crowded midsize sedan field.